Japanese burnet
Sanguisorba obtusa
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A perennial herb or small shrub. It develops rhizomes. It grows 90-120 cm high and 60-90 cm wide. The stem is erect, grooved and branching. The leaves are grey-green. They are 40 cm long. They are divided into leaflets along the stalk. These are oval and have teeth along the edge. There are 13-17 leaflets. The stems are lax. The flowers are in soft arching spikes. These are like bottle brushes and are 7 cm long. They are pink or purple.
There are about 18 Sanguisorba species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is frost hardy. It is sensitive to drought.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Europe, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or division.